Commercial Building Inspector B2General Administration, Permits, and PlansHard
A commercial building inspector receives plans for a proposed 4-story medical office building (Group B). The plans indicate that the building will be constructed as Type II-A. The architect has designed the building to be 70 feet in height and 30,000 sq. ft. per floor. The jurisdiction requires compliance with the 2021 IBC. Based on this information, what is the maximum allowable height for this building, according to IBC Table 504.3?
- A75 feet
- B95 feet
- C65 feet
- D85 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 85 feet
According to IBC Table 504.3, for a Group B occupancy (Business) of Type II-A construction, the maximum allowable height is 85 feet. The proposed height of 70 feet is within this limit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 75 feet is not the exact figure for this specific occupancy and construction type in IBC Table 504.3.
- B. 95 feet is the maximum for Type I-B, which has higher fire-resistance ratings than Type II-A.
- C. 65 feet is the maximum for Type II-B (unprotected noncombustible), which is less fire-resistive.
Allowable Building Height
The maximum height of a building, measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the highest habitable floor, as determined by the occupancy group and type of construction, and specified in IBC Table 504.3.
- Height limits are crucial for fire safety and structural integrity.
- Determined by occupancy classification and construction type.
- Automatic sprinkler systems can often increase allowable height and area.
Memory trick: To determine 'How Tall' a building can be, check its 'Use' and 'Build' type.